Tiny black balls on hair under kittens chin

Kitten with 'black balls of dirt' under chin - Sophie has a mysterious black dirt problem on her chin. I don't see any sores or blemishes. She's a few months old.
@d_hapke (165)
United States
July 21, 2007 12:50pm CST
My new kitten has tiny black balls attached to the hair shaft under her chin. I can smoosh the balls and they just smudge. They don't crackle like 'flea dirt'. I washed her chin last week and it's back already. She also has tiny blisters that are almost unnoticable along the edge of her lip/gum line. I read about feline acne but I don't see any 'pimples' per say. Her skin is unblemished which puzzles me on how these balls are being formed... We are tight on money right now and a $50 vet bill is not do-able for another month or so. I've also checkd for fleas... no sign and I'm very sensitive to flea bites so I'ld notice them.
2 people like this
4 responses
@wiccania (3360)
• United States
21 Jul 07
I'm not sure if it what that is, but feline acne includes blackheads, not just pimples.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (84638)
• United States
22 Jul 07
It is so nice to see someone care for their cat that much. A lot of people wouldn't even notice something that small. I am on a tight budget as well, but like you, I never neglect my pet's health. I don't know if PyeWacket is on your friends list? But she knows sooo much about cats. If you run into her on MyLot, you might run it by her.
@d_hapke (165)
• United States
22 Jul 07
Thanks! I agree! I love my animals too. I just need to get through the next few weeks. I've been waiting to hear if I have a job I've been interviewing for, but the guy hasn't heard from HR and it's making me CRAZY!!! As soon as I can, I'll take her in because I would hate to see her suffer or worse spread to the kids. Good luck to you and yours :) I only noticed it a few days ago. I thought it was dirt so I cleaned her chin (she's a medium hair and I want her used to baths for later in life when she's full of lollipops and playdoh) Anyway, I washed her chin and it was clean for a few days. Then yesterday I remembered to check up on it and it returned - no worse no better.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (84638)
• United States
22 Jul 07
It seems like HR makes people wait just for kicks, like they have to have SOME fun or something. But I really hope you get it! And thank you also for the best response. : )
• United States
21 Jul 07
Change the feeding dish to glass, not plastic. That is the problem most likely. Pimples. Otherwise, if it will not go away, you must check it out soon. I know money is tight, but part of the responsablity of owning a pet is giving it care when needed. Good luck.
@d_hapke (165)
• United States
21 Jul 07
I will try and change them. Right now she has one that is plastic and one that is ceramic. Because I allow animals to live in my house with my children I do my best to keep them pest and disease free. The cleaner the better for everyone. Having said that ... I don't know if I'm being hormonal, tired or just punchy, but, I never incinuated that I would not give proper care to the cat. I am not able to do it presently. For reasons that are out of our control, we have had to rely on just my husband's salary. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here or posting to see if anyone knew what it could be. Thank you and God Bless...
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
Hi there...feline chin acne varies from cat to cat and it may be possible this is what your kitty may have. It's difficult to be certain without physically being able to see this. You could safely use Benzoyl peroxide wipes on your cats chin to help alleviate the acne. Additionally, switching to glass, ceramic or stainless bowls are ideal as plastic bowls can harbour bacteria which is a known cause for contributing to chin acne. Source: 27 year friendship with a veterinarian
@d_hapke (165)
• United States
22 Jul 07
Thanks, I'm going today to buy some new bowls. I have also been considering buying the tablets that I used to use to disinfect the glass cleaning brushes when I bartended. I don't have a dishwasher and with kids I don't always feel like the dishes are 'clean, clean, clean'. Thanks for asking your friend.